Manipur is a state in northeastern India, with the city of Imphal as its capital. Manipur is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland to the
north, Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west; it also borders Burma to the east. It covers an area of 22,347 square kilometres (8,628 sq mi).
Geographically, it falls under the Southeast Asia region.
The Meiteis (Meeteis), who live primarily in the state's valley region, form the primary ethnic group (60% of the total population) but occupy
only 10% of the total land area. Their language, Meiteilon (Meeteilon), (also known as Manipuri), is also the lingua franca in the state, and was
recognized as one of the national languages of India in 1992. The Muslims (Meitei-Pangal) also live in the valley; the Kukis, Nagas, Paites and
other smaller groups form about 40% of the population but occupy the remaining 90% of the total land area of Manipur State . Manipur is considered
a sensitive border state.
Foreigners entering Manipur prior to January 1, 2011 (including foreign citizens born in Manipur) were required to possess Restricted Area Permit.
As of January 1, 2011 foreign citizens are no longer required to have a Protected Areas Permit (PAP). This change will remain in effect for one
year.
History
Manipur came under British rule as a princely state in 1891 and existed until 1947 as Kanglapak Kingdom and the Hill people as separate intities.
Kanglapak King willfully acceded to the newly independent Union of India. During the Second World War, Manipur was the scene of many fierce
battles between the Japanese and the Allied forces. The Japanese were beaten back before they could enter Imphal, and this proved to be one of the
turning points of the war. After the War, the Manipur Constitution Act of 1947 established a democratic form of government with the Maharaja as
the Executive Head and an elected legislature. In 1949, Maharaja Budhachandra was summoned to Shillong, capital of the then Indian province of
Assam. The legislative assembly was dissolved on the controversial[citation needed] annexation of the state with the Republic of India in October
1949. Manipur was a union territory from 1956 and later became a full-fledged state in 1972.
Manipur became a Union Territory in 1956 and later, in 1972, a full-fledged state of India with Muhammad Alimuddin becoming the first state Chief
Minister (1972–74).
There has been a separatist movement in Manipur since 1964 with the establishment of United National Liberation Front, with several violent groups
desirous of a sovereign Manipur.[1] Special permission must also be obtained for those who wish to enter Manipur, as it is considered a "sensitive
area" on account of its political troubles and geographical location.
Geography
Manipur is one of the seven states of Northeast India, and one of the Seven Sister States. The state is bounded by Nagaland in the north, by
Mizoram in the south, by Assam in the west, and by the borders of the country Burma in the east as well as in the south. The state capital of
Manipur is Imphal. The state lies at latitude of 23°83’N – 25°68’N and longitude of 93°03’E – 94°78’E. The total area covered by the state is
22,347 km². The capital lies in an oval-shaped valley of approximately 700 square miles (2,000 km2) surrounded by blue mountains and is at an
elevation of 790 metres above the sea level.[3] The slope of the valley is from north to south. The presence of the mountain ranges not only
prevents the cold winds from the north from reaching the valley but also acts as a barrier to the cyclonic storms originating from the Bay of
Bengal.
There are four major river basins in Manipur State, the Barak River Basin (Barak Valley) to the west, the Manipur River Basin in central Manipur,
the Yu River Basin in the east, and a portion of the Lanye River Basin in the north. The total water resources of Barak and Manipur river basins
are about 1.8487 Mham. The overall water balance of the state amounts to 0.7236 Mham in the annual water budget. (By way of comparison, India
receives 400 Mham (million hectare meters) of rain annually) The Barak river, the largest river of Manipur, originates in the Manipur Hills and is
joined by a number of tributaries such as the Irang, Maku, and Tuivai. After its junction with the Tuivai, the Barak River turns north and forms
the border with Assam State, and then enters the Cachar Assam just above Lakhipur. The Manipur river basin has eight major rivers: the Manipur,
Imphal, Iril, Nambul, Sekmai, Chakpi, Thoubal and Khuga. All these rivers originate from the surrounding hills.
Climate
The climate of Manipur is largely influenced by the topography of this hilly region which defines the geography of Manipur. Lying 790 meters above
sea level, Manipur is wedged between hills on all sides. This northeastern corner of India enjoys a generally amiable climate, though the winters
can be a little chilly. The maximum temperature in the summer months is 32 degree C. In winter the temperature often falls below zero, bringing
frost. Snow sometimes falls in some hilly regions due to the Western Disturbance. The coldest month is January, and the warmest July. The ideal
time for tourism in the state, in terms of climate, is from October to February, when the weather remains bright and sunny without the sun being
too hot.
The state is drenched in rains from May until mid-October. It receives an average annual rainfall of 1467.5 mm. However, the rain distribution
varies from 933 mm in Imphal to 2593 mm in Tamenglong. The precipitation ranges from light drizzles to heavy downpour. The normal rainfall of
Manipur enriches the soil and helps in agricultural processes and irrigation. The South Westerly Monsoon picks up moisture from the Bay of Bengal
and heads toward Manipur, hits the eastern Himalaya ranges and produces a massive amount of rain in the state.